The Jaecoo 7, an SUV manufactured by China’s Chery, became the top-selling vehicle in the United Kingdom for September, according to a report by Sina Finance.
Jaecoo 7 captures September sales lead in UK
Chery’s Jaecoo 7 climbed to the top of the UK sales charts in September, a critical month for the British automotive industry. Data from the Schmidt Automotive Research institute shows that in the first half of 2026, one out of every six cars sold in the UK was a Chinese brand, a penetration rate second only to Norway in Europe.
The surge is led by Chery, the largest Chinese auto exporter. By September, Chery’s UK sales grew more than threefold year-over-year, surpassing Ford, a brand that had dominated the UK market for decades. Since its launch less than two years ago, the Jaecoo brand has sold nearly 87,000 vehicles in the UK, including the smaller Jaecoo 5 SUV.
Affordable pricing and luxury looks drive Jaecoo 7 sales
Consumers are opting for the Jaecoo 7 due to a combination of affordable pricing and high-end interior and exterior finishes. Mark Serlis, a 33-year-old buyer on the UK’s south coast, noted that his version of the SUV cost approximately $50,000—roughly half the price of a Range Rover with a similar appearance.
This visual similarity has earned the vehicle the nickname “Temu Range Rover.” Sam Raskum, a dealership general manager in Leeds, Yorkshire, stated that the appeal is straightforward: the car looks and feels expensive until the customer sees the price tag. Steve Young, manager of Auto West London, estimates that about three-fifths of Jaecoo buyers previously owned luxury brands. He attributes this shift to rising interest rates increasing the cost of luxury car loans, while Jaecoo attracts customers with interest-free financing.
Chery uses former Jaguar Land Rover partnership
The design of the Jaecoo 7 follows years of direct collaboration between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). In 2012, the two companies formed a joint venture to meet Chinese demand for Western luxury cars, producing a localized version of the Range Rover Evoque at a factory in Changshu. While JLR decided to stop production of that Chinese-made model in 2024, the joint venture is transitioning to develop new products using Chery’s electric vehicle technology under the classic Freelander brand.
JLR CEO PB Balaji stated in May that the Range Rover is positioned at a higher segment and does not compete directly with current Chinese imports. JLR has previously taken legal action against similar designs, winning a 2019 case in Beijing against the Landwind X7.
Chinese brands reshape the British automotive market
The entry of Chinese manufacturers has provided a boost to UK dealerships as traditional brands like Ford and Stellantis have closed showrooms following a sluggish post-pandemic recovery. Robert Forrest, CEO of dealership group Vertu, described the current shift as a generational change for the UK auto industry.
The precedent for this growth was set by SAIC Motor, which acquired the bankrupt British brand MG in the 2000s. By applying the classic MG octagonal logo to affordable electric vehicles, SAIC successfully revived the brand. Dealers now report that British consumers are less concerned with the country of origin and more focused on “value for money” and feature sets.
Chinese models increase UK car sales
The influx of affordable Chinese models has contributed to a roughly 10% year-over-year increase in total UK car sales as of September. Many of these vehicles, including the Jaecoo 7, are traditional internal combustion or hybrid models rather than pure electric vehicles.
European automotive giants Volkswagen Group and Stellantis have warned that these new competitors will erode profit margins. Andy Palmer, former CEO of Aston Martin, noted that while consumers benefit from cheaper products, the primary point of contention remains whether this represents fair competition.
Jaecoo 7 compares to traditional luxury SUVs
| Feature | Jaecoo 7 | Traditional Luxury (e.g., Range Rover) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Approx. $50,000 | Roughly double the Jaecoo 7 |
| Financing | Interest-free loans offered | Subject to rising market interest rates |
| Market Position | Value-driven luxury aesthetic | High-end premium segment |
Common questions about Chinese cars in the UK
Why are Chinese cars becoming popular in the UK now?
Consumers are attracted by the combination of high-end technology, luxury aesthetics, and significantly lower prices compared to European brands. Interest-free loans also make them more accessible during periods of high interest rates.
Which Chinese brand is leading the UK market?
Chery is currently a primary leader, with sales growing over two times year-over-year by September. SAIC Motor also maintains a strong presence through the revived MG brand.
Do these cars compete with electric vehicle mandates?
While China is known for EVs, many of the current top-sellers in the UK, such as the Jaecoo 7, are traditional fuel or hybrid vehicles, expanding the Chinese market share beyond just the electric segment.
The current UK market trend mirrors a broader global shift, as slowing domestic sales in China force Chinese automakers to expand aggressively into international markets.
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